Ambassador Knez highlights Slovenia's continued engagement at the 29th Cine Europa Film Festival in the Philippines

Dr Smiljana Knez, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Philippines, led the Embassy's participation at the festival's high-profile opening at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City. Slovenia's sustained presence in the longest-running European film festival highlights the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between Ljubljana and Manila, anchoring the mission's active role in Southeast Asia since its opening in May 2024.

Opening ceremony of Cine Europa 29 | Author Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines

Unveiling 'Hidden People' and Contemporary European Narrative

Slovenia's headline entry for 2026 is the intriguing contemporary drama "Hidden People". The film follows the compelling journey of Guti, a struggling Slovenian man, and Sig, an Icelandic tourist suffering from memory loss, who unexpectedly wake up handcuffed together on a riverbank near Ljubljana. Through its unique premise and shifting dynamics, the narrative offers Filipino audiences a poignant look into human connection, identity, and vulnerability against a beautifully captured Slovenian backdrop.

The 2026 line-up features a rich tapestry of European storytelling, showcasing 17 feature films and three documentaries from various EU Member States.

Emphasizing the transformative power of cultural exchange, Ambassador Dr Knez stated: "Cinema serves as a unique diplomatic tool that transcends geographical distance and binds our societies together. Through films like Hidden People, we share not only our creative traditions but also the underlying human vulnerabilities and emotions that resonate deeply with our Filipino friends. Our continued presence in Cine Europa underscores Slovenia's steadfast commitment to fostering mutual understanding and nurturing a vibrant, shared dialogue through the universal medium of art."

Team Slovenia at the screening of Hidden People | Author Embassy of Slovenia in Manila

Expanding the Cinematic Footprint Across Metro Manila, Tacloban, and Cagayan de Oro

To broaden cultural outreach and ensure accessibility across the Philippine archipelago, the 29th edition of the festival features an expansive screening schedule. The Metro Manila screenings launched at the Shangri-La Plaza from May 28 to June 3, 2026, followed by open-air public screenings at Rizal Park Manila from June 15 to 20.

Demonstrating the European Union's ongoing commitment to regional inclusivity, the festival will also travel beyond the capital to hold key regional showcases for wider audience reach in:

• Tacloban City
• Cagayan de Oro City

This multi-city celebration reinforces the long-standing tradition of cooperation between the Philippines, the European Union, and its Member States. Through Cine Europa, the Embassy of Slovenia reaffirms its dedication to international cultural collaboration, bringing the diverse narratives of Europe closer to communities across the Philippines.